An Old German

An old German which was found at an estate sale last week in Kansas City. A set (for 12 in the original box!) of German silver -- a tablespoon, fork and knife.
It's made by A. Krupp Berndorf -- it says so on the back although when I bought it I couldn't read it (I was so anxious to purchase it because I knew -- just knew-- that it was special that I didn't take time to examine it with my reading glasses on!) But I thought they were European rather than American -- because of the size of the forks, knives and especially the spoons!
Each of the 36 pieces are engraved with flowery initials -- L and M. The forks on the back (for European custom sets the table with the tines down).

I knew there were great initials engraved on them . . . but in my hurry . . . . and so when I got to the car and found out that

a -- they were German (well, actually Austrian)

b -- they were engraved with my German grandmother's initials

I knew I had a true treasure.
They did polish up nicely and I spent the evening after we got back home on the internet and found the company but I could not figure out exactly WHEN this set was made. I'm thinking 1880's to turn of the century but perhaps I'm optimistic and they are not that old. The case, however, has seen better days . . . and since so many Germans immigrated to America in the 1880's and 1890's (as my grandfather did) it would seem logical that the set, perhaps, was a treasure that someone brought over from the old country.

It's truly a treasure here at Linderhof. I shall treasure it as much as the original owners did!
I think they set a handsome table. The tablespoon is large and so perfect for soup. It is a real soup spoon.

These are now our everyday cutlery. Who cares if I have to wash six pieces of silver after every meal -- feeling these wonderful pieces in my hand as I partake of a meal gives me a glow all over.

An unexpected treasure and a truly unexpected place and I might add for a really great price!